The Northeast Public Health Collaborative has issued a statement responding to recent comments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about vaccines and autism. According to the group, “CDC’s recent statement regarding vaccines and autism is inconsistent with decades of research and more than 40 carefully designed and scientifically sound studies involving 5.6 million people that show no link or association between vaccines and autism.”
The collaborative emphasized that vaccines in the United States undergo rigorous testing and ongoing safety monitoring. They stated, “Claims suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship between vaccines and autism are not supported by credible scientific evidence nor are they grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed research and consensus.”
Experts globally have examined this issue through cohort studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews over many years. The group warned that claims linking vaccines to autism spread misinformation, potentially causing confusion as well as unnecessary fear or harm. They said, “What is clear is that vaccine-preventable diseases cause a substantial disease burden affecting populations worldwide. Vaccines are safe and help prevent illness, hospitalization, and millions of deaths worldwide every year.”
The Northeast Public Health Collaborative advised the public to consult health care professionals when making decisions about vaccinations. “The Northeast Public Health Collaborative encourages the public to consult with qualified health care professionals and clinicians and rely on trusted medical sources when making decisions about their health or the health of their children. We also urge caution in sharing or acting on unverified health claims.”
